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Polypro tubing vs. HDPE tubing for LED hoops

Tubing Options

Moodhoops come in two different types of tubing, HDPE & Polypro, and 2 main tubing sizes (thickness) 3/4″ and 5/8″ for LED hoops. All Moodhoops hoop sizes and tubing widths are measured by the Outer Diameter (OD).

Polypro Tubing LED Hoops

We recommend HDPE tubing as the default option for LED hoops. Since LED hoops have batteries and weighted internals, the lightness of polypro is not as noticeable from an HDPE LED hoop made in the same size. HDPE tubing is naturally a more flexible material and absorbs impacts well. (scroll to the bottom of the page to see a picture comparison)

Polypro tubing is stiffer, giving it a different kind of feedback during hoop play. However, polypro tubing is more brittle in comparison, and prone to cracking on impacts or when extremely flexed. The added weight of LEDs, batteries, weighted internals only increases the chance of the tubing cracking. Polypro is extra susceptible to cracking in cold temperatures.

Polypro Tubing LED Hoops

We recommend HDPE tubing as the default option for LED hoops. Since LED hoops have batteries and weighted internals, the lightness of polypro is not as noticeable from an HDPE LED hoop made in the same size. HDPE tubing is naturally a more flexible material and absorbs impacts well. (scroll to the bottom of the page to see a picture comparison)

Polypro tubing is stiffer, giving it a different kind of feedback during hoop play. However, polypro tubing is more brittle in comparison, and prone to cracking on impacts or when extremely flexed. The added weight of LEDs, batteries, weighted internals only increases the chance of the tubing cracking. Polypro is extra susceptible to cracking in cold temperatures.

5/8 Tubing Size

5/8″ hoops are light, bouncy, and fun, but it’s good to think about what kind of hooping style you’d like to use with the hoop when choosing both the thickness and material of the tubing.

3/4 Tubing Size

3/4″ hoops are made with thicker tubing that is slightly heavier, but also sturdier, and considerably less flexible than 5/8″ hoop tubing. If you like to hoop with a faster or more aggressive hooping style, the thicker 3/4″ tubing may be the best option to keep up with faster paced flow.

Mini Hoop Tubing Options

To preserve the roundness of the hoops in smaller sizes, 5/8 polypro minis are only available in 23″ OD and 3/4 polypro minis are only available in 22″ or 23″ OD. Minis sizes 18″ to 23″ OD are available in HDPE tubing, which is more flexible and achieves a better overall hoop shape in such a small size.

Match your hooping style to your hoop size and tubing width/thickness

Fast breaks and reversals in 5/8 can cause the shape of the hoop to become warped, or the tubing can become over extended and kink. If also in polypro, the tubing is likely to crack from the stress. Kinked and cracked tubing is not covered by the warranty, so take extra care when selecting your hoop tubing options.

FutureHoops have the option to upgrade to translucent color polypro tubing.

Does the tubing color affect the lights?
When the hoop is in mid to high speed motion the tubing color difference is almost indistinguishable. When the hoop is moving slower you can see that the tubing is different and may notice a slight tint.

The color difference will be the most notable when the hoop is on an all white setting.